Summary: A moment in time, and a beautiful day. Takes place anytime after they're married, but I guess not at the present because she's... over there. lol
A/N: Many thanks to CalPal0526 for the beta! :)
There it is.
The perfect spot, set before him, as if the universe knows why he and Kate are here. He sets the basket he's carrying to the side, pulls the blanket from his shoulder, and watches it unfurl as it gently floats to the ground.
Before he's finished straightening the corners, Kate has already stretched out across half of the cloth, book in hand. He smiles as he tugs the last of the wrinkles out.
The wind blows, shushing through the trees, causing the first of the turning leaves to fall. Castle reaches for his phone to catch the moment - the leaves cascading and twirling around Kate as she reads.
His effort is rewarded with a beautiful shot. It fills his heart - almost leaves him breathless. It's a picture he will treasure for a lifetime.
He moves, and snaps another shot. This one makes him laugh with Kate's perfect glare peeking over the top of her book.
"Hey HotShot, I didn't sign up for a photo shoot today. Why don't you put the phone down and join me?"
"I couldn't help myself," he admits, loving the expected roll of her eyes. "But," he drops his phone into his pocket with a flourish, "Done."
Kate goes back to her story, turning a page, as Castle settles against the tree with his own book. He reads a few lines, at least, he tries, but doesn't comprehend any of the words. The book drops quietly to his lap.
She's still lying on her stomach, both feet in the air. The sunlight filters through the leaves of the tree, highlighting her hair and the movement of her back and sides as she breathes. So serene, and so stunning.
"Creepy staring, Castle," she says, never looking up as she flips another page.
He chuckles and replies, "Can I not appreciate the dazzling beauty that is my wife?"
Kate pushes to one side, smiles, and moves closer to him. "Of course you can, but I thought we came to the park to read, not make out."
"What-?" He almost laughs, but follows her lead, "Is this some sort of weird come on? Because, seriously, all you have to do is ask..."
He leans in for a kiss, but she pushes him away. "Oh please." Another eye roll, but it doesn't hide her amusement. "I just want to read. For now."
"Well then," Castle picks up his book, "I promise to do my best to tone it down. A bit."
She presses a lingering kiss on his cheek before she settles back onto the blanket, saying, "That's all I ask."
He takes one last glance over the top edge of his book...
"Focus, Castle."
"Reading, Honey," he quips as he flips through the pages, trying to find his place.
He leans back against the tree, inhales deep and smiles, taking in the scent of the book in his hands, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, and seeing the love of his life at his side.
All the makings of a beautiful day.
